NBC overtakes CBS in US ratings

NBC has overtaken CBS in US television ratings – topping the leader board for the first time since 2002.

Boosted by the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics and This Is Us, NBC is up 7% compared to last season, averaging 9.56 million viewers.

CBS is averaging 9.38 million, according to Nielsen.

In the all-important 18-49 demo, NBC holds a daunting 39 percent lead over its closest competitor.

“Only five years ago we were still fourth place in total viewers after having regained the 18-49 demo crown in 2014, a level we’ve maintained for the past four full seasons,” said NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt. “This is an achievement that reflects NBC’s strength as a true broadcaster, delivering mega-events like Sunday Night Football, the Super Bowl and Olympics, along with the some of the highest-rated scripted and unscripted programming on television such as This Is Us, Will & Grace, The Voice, America’s Got Talent.”

The last time NBC had a Super Bowl and Olympics in the same season was in 2011-12, but it still finished No. 2 in viewers.

The last time NBC was the most-watched network in America, Friends was averaging 24.5 million viewers, joined by hit shows ER and The West Wing.